Jonny Williams opens up on ‘worst’ illness as he pushes for return to Sunderland first XI

Phil Smith

Jonny Williams says the illness that kept him out of Sunderland’s defeats to Cardiff City and Ipswich Town was ‘one of the worst’ he has ever had, but is confident he can now start to make a lasting impression on Wearside.

After joining as a deadline day loan signing, Williams impressed on debut against Nottingham Forest and again at Hull City days later.

He was a second half substitute in Sunderland’s last league game at Deepdale and will be pushing for a starting place tomorrow after featuring for Wales during the international break.

Williams said: “Missing two games with illness, it’s something you can’t expect, I’ve probably had two in my life [migraines].

“To get one and be up all night throwing up, then to get another one on the way to the airport for the Ipswich game and have to turn around.

“I ended up throwing up in the taxi, I couldn’t even drive because my vision went, it’s one of the worst things I’ve ever had.

“I’ve put it behind me now, my body feels good which is the main thing.

“I came here having not played much football for a long time, I was delighted to be put in straight away and get 90 minutes as a base for the rest of the season,” he added.

“It’s really helped me, I feel stronger in games, in the second half of games, which when I hit my best form at Ipswich I was able to do.

“Mick McCarthy was giving me minutes and I was able to impact the later stages of games which is important.”